# Ex Works

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Unlike every other Incoterm, where the seller organises at least part of the transport chain, Ex Works (EXW) represents the seller's absolute minimum commitment: the goods are made available at the seller's named premises – factory, warehouse, or office – and the seller's obligation ends there.

Unlike every other Incoterm, where the seller organises at least part of the transport chain, Ex Works (EXW) represents the seller's absolute minimum commitment: the goods are made available at the seller's named premises – factory, warehouse, or office – and the seller's obligation ends there. From that point on, the buyer bears all costs and risks: loading, inland haulage to the port or border crossing, export customs clearance, main carriage, import duties, and last-mile delivery. EXW therefore suits experienced buyers or trading companies with their own logistics networks best. For less experienced importers it carries considerable risk, since handling export customs formalities in the country of origin as a foreign party can be legally complex. In practice, EXW is often replaced by FCA in international container trade, which preserves the same broad buyer responsibility from a clearly defined handover point but keeps export clearance with the seller.

**Source:** [https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/](https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Ex Works |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 148 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/ |

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